Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/30/2014

Gov. Scott declares state of emergency due to severe weather

Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for 26 Florida Panhandle and north Florida counties that have been hard-hit by torrential rain. Scott issued the proclamation early Wednesday and mobilized the Florida National Guard to help. More from the AP and WFTV or read Gov. Scott's emergency declaration.

Florida Power & Light Co. and its parent company, NextEra Energy, on Wednesday reported improved financial results for the first quarter this year, thanks in part to gains in Florida's economy. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

ADT to buy Canadian company for $500 million

Business Profile

JM Lexus

It's quite an accomplishment to be the world's top seller of any product in a single year. South Florida's JM Lexus dealership has done that ... and done that ... and done that again.

The Margate-based dealership has sold more new Lexus vehicles than any other store worldwide for 22 years in a row.

ADT Corp. agreed to buy Reliance Protectron for about $500 million in cash with plans to expand in Canada. Boca Raton-based ADT will fund the purchase through cash on hand and an existing credit line. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Pharmaceutical firms flock to Miami

More pharmaceutical companies are finding a home in Greater Miami. There are scores of firms in the area, although it may not be so noticeable because they aren’t clustered into a single area. More at Miami Today.

Ultimate Software sees strong first quarter

Weston-based Ultimate Software, a human resources and payroll software company, saw higher earnings on robust revenues for its first quarter ended March 31. The company reported a profit of $6.9 million, or 23 cents a share, compared with $4.5 million, or 16 cents a share, for the first quarter of 2013. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Florida's blueberries were a boutique endeavor six to seven years ago as demand for the fruit was taking off. A decent farm had 5 acres of bushes. Growers today are planting 20 acres at a cost of upward of $25,000 each as the state continues "on the way up" in a global niche.